South Australia Police have warned caravan and motorhome users to prioritise towing safety. Caravan towing safety is crucial as housing affordability pressures push more Australians to live on the road.

What’s Been Reported

realestate.com.au reports that Australia now has more than 900,000 registered caravans and motorhomes. This reflects a significant increase in use. While many people still use caravans for holidays, police say a growing number now rely on them as longer-term or full-time accommodation and must practice caravan towing safety.

Police have linked this shift to a rise in unsafe towing practices. This is particularly among people new to caravanning, who may not fully understand towing laws, vehicle limits or setup requirements, which are essential elements of caravan towing safety.

Safety Concerns Raised by Police

South Australia Police say they regularly encounter:

• Overloaded caravans
• Incorrect or uneven weight distribution
• Tow vehicles that do not meet rating requirements for the caravan being hauled

Police warn that these issues increase the risk of loss of control, rollovers and serious crashes. This is especially true at highway speeds and on regional roads.

They have reminded caravan users that towing rules apply. This is regardless of whether a caravan is used for holidays or full-time living. Caravan towing safety is a priority at all times.

Why This Matters for Travellers

Caravanning has traditionally centred on leisure travel. However, police say many people now enter the lifestyle without prior towing experience.
Modern caravans also weigh more and include more complex systems than older models. Consequently, poor setup or loading can quickly lead to dangerous situations and compromise caravan towing safety.

Police say better understanding of towing limits and legal requirements will play a key role in improving road safety. This is crucial as caravan use continues to rise, making caravan towing safety more important than ever.

What Caravan and Motorhome Users Should Know

South Australia Police are urging caravan users to take the following steps:

• Check towing capacities and legal weight limits for both vehicle and caravan
• Load caravans carefully to maintain correct balance
• Match caravans with a tow vehicle rated to handle the load
• Take extra care on highways and regional roads, particularly when braking, overtaking or driving in changing conditions

These reminders apply to both experienced travellers and first-time caravan owners. Caravan towing safety is essential for everyone.

As more Australians turn to caravans and motorhomes amid housing pressures, police say road safety must remain a priority. Authorities urge caravan users to understand their vehicle limits. They should follow towing laws and confirm their setup before heading out, whether travelling or living on the road. Caravan towing safety requires ongoing attention.